JP2010536591A - Tool with selective deflection member with adjustment mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

  The tool has a slot provided between a pair of ends at its distal end. The distal end has a cutting blade provided therein. The slot is configured to receive a plate. The tool has a groove extending along an axis for pressurized liquid to communicate with the slot and plate. The plate directs the flow of pressurized liquid outward toward the end. The resulting outward force causes the end to bend outward, thereby pushing the cutting blade outward, cutting the workpiece, reaming, and other processing. When the liquid pressure decreases due to the elasticity of the tool, the end returns to the inside. The plate is configured to receive a wafer for transmitting force from the pressurized liquid to the end. Some embodiments of the plate have an adjustment mechanism operable to selectively adjust the flow rate or pressure of liquid directed at the end.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

〔priority〕
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending US Patent Application No. 11 / 460,383, filed June 27, 2006 and published as US Publication No. 2006/0257219, US Patent No. 7,090,445, which is a continuation of prior application 11 / 125,897 filed on May 10, 2005 and filed on January 18, 2005 Priority is claimed from the disclosure of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 644,732, entitled “Tools with Dynamic Deflection Members”. The above patent applications including US Publication No. 2006/0257219 and US Patent No. 7,090,445 are hereby incorporated by reference.

[Background Technology]
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to boring and reaming tools, and in particular, can form holes with a relatively high length-diameter ratio, or can expand the holes radially. It relates to an adjustable tool.

  In some conventional machined central rotating tools, lubricant is supplied near the cutting blade via a rotating shaft. An example is shown in US Pat. No. 5,775,863, issued July 7, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Another example is shown in US Pat. No. 6,270,295 issued August 7, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Yet another example is shown in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 654,328, filed Sep. 3, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various tools, systems and methods have been devised and used to machine workpieces. However, it is believed that no one had devised or used a tool as described in the appended claims before the present inventor.

[Brief description of the drawings]
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to illustrate the principles of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise configuration shown. In the drawings, the same reference numeral is attached to the same configuration in several drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a partial side cross-sectional view of a tool made in accordance with the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is an end view of the tool of FIG.

  FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the tool of FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a plate for the tool of FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a plate for the tool of FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a plate for the tool of FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of a plate for the tool of FIG. 1 configured to receive a wafer.

  8 is a side cross-sectional view of the plate taken along line 8-8 in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a wafer configured to fit the plate of FIG.

  10A-10E are a series of views of the tool of FIG. 1 being used.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative plate for the tool of FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a top view of the plate of FIG.

  13 is a cross-sectional view of the plate of FIG. 11 taken along line 13-13 of FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the plate of FIG.

  15 is a cross-sectional view of the plate of FIG. 11 with an alternative needle valve.

  Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Present Invention]
Reference will now be made in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate identical configurations throughout the Figures, and FIGS. 1 and 2 show a tool 2 having a proximal end 4 and a distal end 6. The groove 8 is provided along the axis of the tool 2 from the proximal end 4 toward the far end 6. As used herein, the term “groove” includes any flow path, other structure or configuration through which a liquid, substance, etc. is transmitted, passed, or communicated. In the present embodiment, the groove 8 allows the liquid medium to communicate via the tool 2. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable configurations may be used to provide fluid communication.

  In this embodiment, the tool 2 is adapted for use with a machining station having a selectively rotatable machine spindle and is one of a plurality of tools for various operations (eg, rotation, vibration, oscillation, etc.). One can be quickly and easily received and fixed. The machining station may have a synchronization system such as an automatic tool changer for quick and easy replacement and use of complex machining tools in one machining station. This allows the machining station to achieve higher utility or a wider operating range. The tool 2 is further configured for use with a source of pressurized liquid medium that communicates with a groove 8 in the tool 2. The machining station allows the user to selectively control both the rotational speed of the tool 2 and the pressure on the liquid medium communicated with the groove 8. In one embodiment, the liquid medium provides a lubricant supply and / or cooling for at least a portion of the boundary between the tool 2 and the workpiece.

  In this embodiment, the tool 2 can be attached to a selectively rotatable spindle at the proximal end 4 and receives a pressurized liquid medium at the proximal end 4. Thus, the boundary between the machining station and the proximal end 4 of the tool 2 is very similar to the corresponding boundary described in US Pat. No. 6,270,295.

  The distal end 6 of the tool 2 includes a pair of opposed cutting blades 20 mounted on the distal end 26. FIG. 1 includes a partial cross-section of the distal end 26 to show the cutting blade 20. The slot 30 has a plate A (not shown in FIG. 1) disposed between a pair of ends 26 and disposed therein. A dwell pin 70 may be used to hold the plate 40A in the slot 30 as shown in FIG. 3 with some configurations of the tool 2 omitted for simplicity. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable distal end 6 configurations may include, but are not limited to, insert members other than plate 40A.

  The slot 30 is generally rectangular and is formed by a proximity surface 32 and two side surfaces 36. For liquid communication with the groove 8, the proximal surface 32 has an opening 34 along the axis of the tool 2. Each side surface 36 has a pair of pin openings 38. Each pin opening 38 extends through the corresponding end 26 in a direction transverse to the axis of the tool 2 and is configured to receive a dowel pin 70. Other suitable slot 30 configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  By way of example only, the distal end 6 of the tool 2 may have a diameter of about 8 inches, 2 inches, 1.25 inches, 1 inch, or 32 mm. The slot 30 may have a width of about 0.375 inches or 5 mm (ie, the distance between the side surfaces 36). Of course, any other dimensions for the diameter of the tool 2 and / or the width of the slot 30 may be used. The slot 30 may be 2.6 inches deep (ie, the distance from the distal end of the tool 6 to the proximal surface 32 of the slot 30 is 2.6 inches), and may be 3.321 inches deep, Or any other suitable depth.

  The plate 40 </ b> A has a proximal end 42, a distal end 44, and a pair of side surfaces 46. The plate 40 </ b> A has a pair of pin openings 60 formed to penetrate the side surface 46, and each opening 60 is configured to receive a dowel pin 70. Plate 40A is configured to fit within slot 30 by an interference fit or the like. By way of example only, such an interference fit can be realized when the plate 40A has a thickness of 0.001 "greater than the width of the slot 30. In one embodiment, the slot 40A. Has a thickness of 0.375 ", while slot 30 has a width of 0.374". Other suitable relative of slot 30 and slot 40A to achieve any type or degree of interference fit The dimensions will be apparent to those skilled in the art, or the dimensions of the slot 30 and the plate 40A may be determined such that the fit is not due to an interference fit. The slot may have a width of 0.375 ". Furthermore, the exposed outer surface of the plate 40 is aligned with the outer surface of the tool 2. Or dented so slightly, it may be dimensioned plate 40A.

  FIG. 3 shows the plate 40 A, the simplified tool 2, and the dowel pin 70 before the plate 40 A is inserted into the slot 30. In this embodiment, when the plate 40A is properly positioned in the slot 30, the pin opening 38 of the slot 30 is aligned with the pin opening 60 of the plate 40A. As a result, the dowel pins 70 are arranged to pass through the pin openings 38 and 60, and the plate 40 is fixed in the slot 30. Alternatively, other suitable configurations for securing the plate 40A in the slot 30 may be used.

  In this embodiment, each side surface 46 of the plate 40A has a recess 50 formed therein. Each recess 50 has a channel 48 formed in each side surface 46 and leading to the proximal end 42. Each channel 48 is configured to allow fluid communication with the corresponding recess 50. In this embodiment, each channel 48 provides fluid communication with the opening 34 in the proximal surface 32 of the slot 30 with the plate 40 </ b> A properly positioned in the slot 30. As a result, the liquid passes through and communicates with the groove 8, the opening 34, and the flow path 48, and reaches each concave portion 50 of the plate 40A. Alternatively, any other suitable configuration may be used to facilitate communication of the liquid medium to each recess 50.

  It will be appreciated that the plate 40A can be a substantially modular assembly. As a result, various types of plates 40 </ b> A can be inserted into the slot 30. The feature point of the plate 40A that can be changed according to the type of the plate 40A that changes in this way may be the shape of the recess 50. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the recess 50 is generally rectangular. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the recesses 54 in the plate 40B may be generally “T” shaped. In yet another example, as shown in FIG. 6, the recess 56 in the plate 40C is generally circular. In addition to the shape of the recess 50 or instead of the shape of the recess 50, the size of the recess 50 may be changed in the plate 40A. In one embodiment, the recesses 50 on each side surface 46 of the plate 40A have substantially the same size and shape. Alternatively, the recesses 50 on the plate 40A may have different sizes and / or shapes. Still other suitable recess 50 configurations and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  The plate 40A may be made of any suitable single material or materials. By way of example only, plate 40A may be made of any other suitable material including steel, aluminum, plastic, or combinations thereof.

  In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9, the plate 40D is configured to receive the wafer 58. FIG. In this embodiment, the plate 40D has a central opening 62 formed so as to penetrate the plate 40D. The opening 62 communicates the liquid with the flow path 48 in the proximal end 42 of the plate 40D. The opening 62 is formed by an inner annular ridge 64, which is recessed in the plate 40D to provide a recess 56a.

  A removable wafer is illustrated in FIG. The wafer 58 can be disposed in the recess 56a. As shown, the shape of the wafer 58 corresponds to the shape of the recess 56a. The wafer 58 has a general circular shape to accommodate the general circular recess 56a, but the wafer 58 can accommodate any other shape. By way of example only, the wafer 58 may be a general square to accommodate the general square recess 50 and a general “T” to accommodate the general “T” shaped recess 54. It may be letter-shaped or any other shape to accommodate different recesses. Alternatively, the wafer 58 may have a shape different from that of the recess 50 in which the wafer 58 is disposed, so that these may not correspond.

  The wafer 58 may be used with any of the plates 40 </ b> A to 40 </ b> C that do not have the opening 62. In such embodiments, the wafer 58 may have a flow path or groove to facilitate the flow of liquid into the space between the wafer 58 and the recess 50. Alternatively, any of the plates 40 </ b> A to 40 </ b> C may have an opening in addition to or instead of the recesses 50, 54, and 56. Other combinations and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  In one embodiment, the annular ridge 64 has an indentation of 0.125 ″ within the plate 40D (ie, the distance between the annular ridge 64 and the side surface 46 is 0.125 ″), while Wafer 58 has a thickness of 0.1127 ". Recess 56a has a diameter of 2.4" while wafer 58 has a diameter of 2.35 ". Alternatively, recess 56a and wafer 58 are Size adjustments are made so that an interference fit occurs between the wafer 58 and the plate 40 D. Still other suitable dimensions for the plate 40 D and / or the wafer 58 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  While using the plate 40D having the wafer 58 inserted into the recess 56a, the pressurized liquid communicating with the flow path 48 and passing through the flow path 48 reaches the opening 62, where the pressurized liquid is transferred to the wafer. 58 exerts an outward force. The wafer 58 then exerts an outward force against the distal end 26 of the tool 2. Thus, rather than the liquid exerting a force directly on the distal end 26, the liquid exerts a force on the distal end 26 through the wafer 58.

  The configuration of the wafer 58 may be varied in size, shape, and / or in that it has one or more openings in the wafer 58. Such an opening 68 allows some liquid to pass therethrough. Such passing liquid may exert some force directly on the distal end 26. By way of example only, the wafer 58 having the opening 68 formed in the center has characteristics different from those of the wafer having no opening. Alternatively, one wafer 58 having a first size opening 68 may have different characteristics than a wafer 58 having a different second size opening 68.

  In one embodiment, the wafer 58 has 0.468 "diameter openings 68. Of course, the number and / or size of the openings 68 may vary greatly.

  The size, shape, and / or number of openings 68 in the wafer 58 may be related to the force that the wafer 58 exerts on the distal end 26. Further, the size and / or number of openings 68 in the wafer 58 may be related to the amount of liquid leaking from the tool 2. Other embodiments and uses of the openings 68 in the wafer 58 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  Wafer 58 may comprise any suitable material or materials. By way of example only, the wafer 58 may be composed of any other suitable material, including polyurethane, brass, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the material forming the wafer 58 is more flexible than the material forming the plate 40D. Alternatively, each material may have any other suitable relative hardness.

  Of course, the wafer 58 may be completely removed. As is apparent from the above example, the term “wafer” should be interpreted broadly to include any member that can be inserted into the recesses 50, 54, 56, 56a of the plates 40A-D.

  One skilled in the art will appreciate the various tool 2 characteristics that may be varied by using a plate 40D having different recesses 50 and / or wafer 58 configurations or characteristics. By way of example only, the liquid pressure that bends the distal end 26 outward may vary depending on the configuration of the recess 50. Additionally or alternatively, the rate at which the diametric distance between the cutting blades 20 varies with the liquid pressure can be a function of the configuration of the recess 50 and / or the wafer 58. Still other advantages of changing the configuration of the plate 40D, the recesses 50-56a, and / or the wafer 58 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, if the tool 2 is used to cut a bore with a high length-diameter ratio in the workpiece, the user selects the pressure of the liquid communicated to the tool 2, which is merely illustrative. May be adjusted. Of course, the same applies to cutting other diameters. One skilled in the art will appreciate that adjusting the pressure of the fluid communicated in this manner also adjusts the pressure of the liquid in the tool 2. As the pressure of the liquid is increased, the liquid is directed outward by a recess 50 in the side surface 46 of the plate 40A. This allows an increasing outward force to be exerted on the side surface 36 of the slot 30 (ie, the outward force increases with the liquid pressure). When the pressure of the liquid reaches a sufficient level, this force causes the distal end 26 to bend radially outward (ie, the side surface 36 of the slot is deflected outward by the liquid), thereby causing the cutting blade 20 Press radially outward. This increases the effective diameter of the far end 6 of the tool 2. By way of example only, such diameter expansion is achieved by liquid pressures ranging from about 200 psi to 800 psi. Of course, other liquid pressure levels can cause expansion based on various factors (eg, tool material, liquid concentration, end thickness, etc.).

  Thus, the distal end 26 and the slot 30 can constitute a selective deflection of the tool 2. In other words, the distal end 26 and the slot 30 are configured to selectively deflect the cutting blade 20 to various locations of use. Of course, the selective deflection part of the tool 2 may include other elements.

  In this embodiment, the radial arrangement of the cutting blade 20 relative to the axis of the tool 2 can be adjusted according to the pressure of the liquid passing through the tool 2 so that the increasing liquid pressure is Increase the diametric distance between. Thus, since the diametric distance between the cutting blades 20 can vary depending on the liquid pressure, the tool 2 can be used to cut or ream calibers of different diameters. In one embodiment, when the liquid pressure drops, the elasticity of the material comprising the tool 2 causes the distal end 26 to return to its previous shape (ie, return radially inward). Such elasticity is seen when the tool 2 is made of steel or any other metal, alloy or the like. Other suitable materials for constructing the tool 2 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, other ways to return the distal end 26 to its previous shape will be apparent to those skilled in the art (eg, vacuuming the groove 8, pulling the ends magnetically or mechanically together, etc.). ).

  In this example, it will be apparent that the pressurized liquid tends to leak at the distal end 6 of the tool 2 during use of the tool 2. This leakage occurs at the distal end 6 between the side surface 36 of the slot 30 and the side surface 46 of the plate 40A. In other words, as the distal end 26 bends outward, gaps are likely to form between the side surface 36 of the slot 30 and the side surface 46 of the plate 40A, and pressurized liquid leaks from these gaps. It will be apparent that due to the close proximity of such a gap to the cutting blade 20, at least a part of the boundary between the tool 2 and the workpiece can easily reach the leaking liquid. This is particularly apparent when considering that the liquid pressure is relatively high when the liquid leaks, so that the liquid spouts out of the gap at high speed. Such leaking jets provide cooling and / or lubrication to the boundary between the tool 2 and the workpiece. Therefore, the appropriateness of cooling and / or lubrication at such boundaries can be taken into account when making a selection of the liquid passing through the groove 8 of the tool 2.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate the speed at which the tool 2 can be used to cut a composite caliber at any time or to ream. The following is merely an example, some of which are shown in FIGS. 10A-10E, and outlines how the tool 2 can be used to produce several calibers in a relatively short time. First, as shown in FIG. 10A, rotation of the tool 2 is initiated by the spindle of a machining station (not shown). Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, the distal end 26 is moved outward until the pressure of the liquid 72 communicated with the tool 2 (and thus through the tool 2) is separated to the desired diametric distance. Increased to a level sufficient to bend. Then, as shown in FIG. 10C, the rotating tool 2 is linearly advanced along the axis of the caliber 74, and as a result, the axis of the tool 2 is aligned with the axis of the caliber 74. During this advancement process, the cutting blade of the tool 2 engages the surface of the caliber wall 76 in a state where it can be cut or reamed.

  When the tool 2 is advanced into the caliber 74 to the desired length (eg, when the cutting blade 20 has completely passed through the caliber 74 or moved to the desired end), the tool The pressure of the liquid 72 in 2 is reduced as shown in FIG. 10D. Due to the drop in pressure of the liquid 72, the radial external force immediately exerted on the side surface 36 of the slot 30 by the liquid 72 deflected by each recess 50 in the plate 40A (possibly by the wafer 58). The size decreases proportionally. When the force is thus reduced, the elasticity of the material forming the distal end 6 of the tool 2 causes the distal end 26 to return radially inward, thereby reducing the diametric distance between the cutting blades 20. By reducing the diametric distance between the cutting blades 20, the cutting blade 20 is released from the caliber wall 76 almost immediately. As shown in FIG. 10E, the tool 2 may be linearly extracted from the bore 74 along the axis of the bore 74. While still rotating, the tool 2 can be moved to the next caliber for similar processing. Alternatively, before the process is repeated, the workpiece may be moved so that the axis of the next aperture and the axis of the tool 2 are aligned.

  Accordingly, the rotation of the tool 2 can be kept substantially constant when the tool 2 partially cuts a plurality of apertures or performs reaming. In other words, the rotation of the tool 2 need not be stopped or restarted between the calibers. Further, the tool 2 may be used for caliber cutting or reaming by a single one-dimensional linear movement along the caliber axis. Thus, when the tool 2 is positioned within the caliber, the axis of the tool 2 may remain aligned with the caliber axis while the tool 2 is advanced and retracted within the caliber.

  Other suitable methods for using the tool 2 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that while several embodiments of the invention are disclosed in detail, many other changes and modifications may be made based thereon.

  For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is not necessary to use a pair of opposing cutting blades 20 at the distal end 26. Alternatively, any other number of cutting blades may be used. In another embodiment, the distal end 6 has a single cutting blade 20 with opposing support pads similar to the type described in US Pat. No. 6,270,295. In other embodiments, the distal end 6 has a single cutting blade 20 without an opposing support pad. In still other embodiments, the distal end 6 has more than two cutting blades 20. In one embodiment, when the distal end 6 has more than one cutting blade 20, the cutting blades 20 are equidistant from each other around the circumference of the tool 2. Furthermore, the tool 2 may have three or more ends 26 each having a respective cutting blade 20. Still other suitable cutting blade 20 configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the tool 2 does not require a cutting blade 20 at all. In another embodiment, the tool 2 has a roller electroplated or coated with diamond grit or cubic boron nitride grit in a position proximate to the position of the cutting blade. By way of example only, U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,430, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Patterning Caliber Surface”, issued January 23, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A roller similar to that described in 1 may be attached to the tool 2. In this embodiment, the size of the grit is about 0.006 ". Of course, any other size of grit or other protuberance may be used. The grit is about 10,000 pounds per square inch. Any other pressure may be used, of course, any other suitable structure (eg, other than blade 20 or roller, etc.) may be used to apply pressure to the surface of the caliber wall. 20 or in addition to or in lieu of rollers, etc. may be provided on the tool 2. By way of example only, the tool 2 may comprise one or more honing bars (not shown). .

  Additionally or alternatively, entitled “Tool with Selective Deflection Member and Method for Forming Non-Axisymmetric Mechanism”, filed September 3, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It may be configured similarly to the tool disclosed in US Provisional Application No. 10 / 654,328.

  As an alternative to the tool 2 having a plate 40A with a recess 59 opening towards the outside, the tool 2 may have a pair of symmetrical plates with a recess opening towards the inside. When both the plates are disposed in the slot 30, the recesses face each other. In this or similar alternative embodiment, an outward force is applied to the distal end 26 by the plate as the plate is pushed outward by the pressurized liquid.

  In this embodiment, the slot 30 and plate 40A are generally shown as square, but it will be apparent that the slot and plate may have any other shape. By way of example only, the slots and plates may be generally square, cylindrical, or any other generally uniform cross-sectional shape (such as circular, oval, oval, or triangular). . Alternatively, the slots and plates may have a conical shape, a frustoconical shape, a pyramid shape, or any other suitable shape. In one embodiment, the slot is generally the same as the shape of the plates 40A-D.

  Although the tool 2 has been described as being particularly suitable for cutting a caliber with a relatively high length-diameter ratio, the tool 2 may also be calibrated with a relatively low length-diameter ratio, or other Suitable for use with any kind of caliber. Furthermore, although the tool 2 has been described as suitable for caliber cutting or reaming, the tool 2 is also suitable for various other types of machining and other processes.

  Still other non-exhaustive changes are shown in FIGS. In particular, FIGS. 11-15 illustrate another plate 100 that includes a needle valve 150. It will be appreciated that the plate 100 may be replaced with the other plates 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D described above, and the plate 100 may be used with the tool 2 or any other configuration. By way of example only, the plate 100 may be inserted into the slot 30, and the plate 100 may be secured within the slot 30 using a dowel pin 70, any other structure, device, or technique. The plate 70 in this example has a proximal end 102, a distal end 104, and a pair of side surfaces 106. Plate 100 also has a pair of pin openings 108 formed through side surface 106, each opening 108 being formed to receive a corresponding dowel pin 70.

  In one embodiment, plate 100 is configured to fit within slot 30 with an interference fit. By way of example only, such an interference fit may be obtained when the plate 100 has a thickness that is about 0.001 "greater than the width of the slot 30. In one embodiment, the plate 100 is about 0. When having a thickness of .375 ", slot 30 has a width of about 0.374". Other suitable relative dimensions of slot 30 and plate 100 to form any type or degree of interference fit are Or, the slot 30 and plate 100 may be dimensioned so that the fit is not an interference fit. For illustration purposes only, the slot is approximately 0.375 "wide. Where the plate 100 has a thickness of about 0.374 ". Furthermore, the plate 100 overlaps its exposed outer surface so that the tool 2 It may be dimensioned so as to form a recess or projection to the side surface.

  In this embodiment, the pin opening 38 of the slot 30 is aligned with the pin opening 108 of the plate 100 with the plate 100 properly positioned within the slot 30. A dowel pin 70 is then disposed through the pin openings 38 and 108 to secure the plate 100 in the slot 30. Alternatively, any other suitable configuration or technique for securing the plate 100 in the slot 30 may be used, including but not limited to any other suitable fastener, other structure, or other technique.

  The plate 100 of the present embodiment has a groove 110 formed along its central axis. The groove 110 extends from the proximal end 102 to the far end 104. In this embodiment, the groove 110 is configured to allow fluid to communicate with the groove 8 of the tool 2 when the plate 100 is inserted into the slot 30 of the tool 2. In the present embodiment, the groove 110 is branched into two sub-grooves 114 that are close to each other, and the sub-groove 114 terminates near the axial center of the groove centrifugally and at the proximal end 102 of the plate 100. Close close. The secondary grooves 114 are spaced apart from each other and are configured to allow fluid communication with the grooves 8 of the tool 2 when the plate 100 is inserted into the slot 30 of the tool 2. In other words, the groove 110 is configured to receive the liquid from the groove 8 through the sub-groove 114 at the center. While two minor grooves 114 are shown, it will be apparent that any suitable number of minor grooves 114 may be used, and minor grooves 114 may be provided in any other configuration. It will also be apparent that the secondary groove 114 may simply be omitted at all (eg, providing only a single groove 110).

  The needle valve 150 of this example is disposed within the groove 110 to prevent liquid from exiting the groove 110 at the distal end 104, while regulating the flow rate of liquid entering the groove 110 at the proximal end 102, and It is configured to regulate the flow rate or pressure of the liquid exiting the plate 100. As shown, the needle valve 150 has a thread 152 that is configured to complementarily engage the thread 112 of the groove 110. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the needle valve 150 by rotating the needle valve 150 in the groove 110, whereby the flow rate is adjusted by the needle valve 150. As shown, the needle valve 150 has a vertex 154 that projects from the proximal end 102 of the plate 100. In some embodiments, the apex 154 may enter the groove 8 of the tool 2 when the plate 100 is inserted into the slot 30 of the tool 2. In other embodiments, the needle valve 150 is configured such that the apex 154 does not protrude from the proximal end 102 of the plate 100. Other suitable variations of needle valve 150 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  In the present embodiment, a round ring 160 is provided between the needle valve 150 and the groove 110 so as to be close to the threads 152 and 112. O-ring 160 may prevent fluid communication through threads 152 and 112. The o-ring 160 may also prevent unintentional rotation of the needle valve 150 in the groove 110. One or more o-rings 160 may be provided at a location remote from the threads 152 and 112, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, any suitable alternative to the o-ring 160 may be used, or the o-ring 160 may simply be omitted. It will be apparent that a locking mechanism or other structure may be provided to prevent unintentional rotation of the needle valve 150 within the groove 110.

  In this embodiment, each side surface 106 of the plate 100 has a recess 120 formed in the side surface 106. A recess wall 122 is provided in the recess 120 of each side surface 106. As shown in the figure, three openings 124 are formed so as to penetrate the respective concave walls 122. The opening 124 communicates the liquid with the groove 110 of the plate 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid communicated through the groove 110 passes through the opening 124 and exits. In other words, when the plate 100 is inserted into the slot 30 of the tool 2, the groove 110 of the plate 100 receives liquid from the groove 8, and the needle valve 150 diverts the liquid and flows out of the opening 124. Like that.

  It will be apparent that the recess 120 can be deformed in many states. By way of example only, the recess 120 is shown as being generally circular, while the recess 120 is generally square as the recess 50, and is generally “T” -shaped as the recess 54, Or any other suitable shape, including but not limited to any other suitable shape. Further, three openings 124 are shown in the recess 120 of the present embodiment, while any other suitable number of openings 124 may be formed in the recess 120. Further, a wafer 58, or any other object as listed above, or a variant thereof, may be provided in the recess 120. Other suitable variations of the recess 120 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  In this example, the plate 100 is inserted into the slot 30 of the tool 2 and the liquid exiting the opening 124 exerts an outward force on the side surface 36 of the slot 30 and in turn outwards of the end 26. Causes movement, deflection, and bending. The outward movement, deflection and bending of the distal end 26 in this embodiment causes an increase in the diametric distance between the cutting blades 20. In this embodiment, the degree to which the cutting blade 20 is separated is a function of the flow rate or pressure of the liquid exiting the opening 124.

  As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, by rotating the needle valve 150 relative to the plate 100 in order to change the axial position of the needle valve 150 within the plate 100, the needle valve 150 is caused to enter the liquid exiting the opening 124. The flow rate or pressure can be adjusted. Liquid exiting the opening 124 (and causing movement, deflection or bending of the distal end 26 by affecting the side surface 36 of the slot 30), as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the suggestions herein. The degree to which the cutting blade 20 is separated in the opposite direction may be a function of the axial position of the needle valve 150 in the plate 100. In other words, the degree to which the cutting blade 20 is diametrically separated may be adjusted by rotating the needle valve 150 in the plate 100 to a desired axial position in the plate 100. In order to promote such rotation of the needle valve 150 in this embodiment, the needle valve 150 includes a head 154. As described in more detail below, head 154 engages a wrench, socket, or other device or structure to rotate needle valve 150 to adjust the axial position of needle valve 150 within plate 100. It is formed to do.

  In some embodiments, a tool 2 having a plate 100 includes a machining center (not shown) that includes a liquid supply system (not shown) for supplying liquid to the grooves 8 of the tool 2 and the grooves 110 of the plate 10. (Not shown). Such liquid may be communicated from the liquid supply system via a spindle (not shown) used to rotate the tool 2. Such components are described in more detail in US Pat. No. 5,775,853 and US Pat. No. 6,270,295. Both of the above are included herein by reference. In some machining centers, the pressure and / or flow rate of the liquid communicated to the tool 2 is variably changed by the liquid supply system. In other machining centers, the pressure and / or liquid communicated to the tool 2 is not adjustably changed (e.g., the liquid simply flows from the supply at a constant speed or pressure, or the ability to adjust Does not flow at all without). The tool 2 of this embodiment may be used with the kind which has a liquid supply system among other kinds.

  In one embodiment, the tool 2 is used in a machining center that includes a liquid supply that can adjustably adjust the pressure and / or flow rate of the liquid. In this embodiment, the degree to which the cutting blade 20 is diametrically separated can be adjusted by either or both of the following two methods. (1) A method of adjusting the flow rate or pressure of the liquid communicated from the liquid supply unit, and / or (2) rotating the needle valve 150 in the plate 100 via the head 154, etc. A method for adjusting the axial position of the needle valve 150. Appropriate combinations and parameters for combining these methods of adjusting the exact opposite separation of the cutting blades will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Of course, either method may be used without the other method. Still other ways in which the exact opposite separation of the cutting blade 20 can be adjusted will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  In other embodiments, the tool 2 is used in a machining center that includes a liquid supply that does not adjustably change the pressure and / or flow rate of the liquid. In this embodiment, the exact opposite separation of the cutting blade 20 is adjusted by adjusting the axial position of the needle valve 150 within the plate 100, such as by rotating the needle valve 150 within the plate 100 via the head 154. obtain. In this embodiment, other methods of adjusting the exact opposite separation of the cutting blade 20 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Some, but not all, embodiments of the needle valve 150 to adjust the diametrically opposite separation of the cutting blade 20 when the function of adjusting the flow rate and / or pressure of the liquid from the liquid supply is not sufficient. It will be apparent that it may be preferable to adjust.

  In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the needle valve 150 has a recess 156 at its distal end instead of the protruding head 154. In this embodiment, an Allen wrench (hex key) or other suitable tool that can engage the recess 156 is inserted into the recess 156 to rotate the needle valve 150 to adjust the axial position within the plate 100. May be. It will be appreciated that the recess 156 may have any other suitable configuration, and any other suitable tool or device may be used to engage the interior of the recess 156. Other suitable alternatives for the head 154 and recess 156 will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  In some embodiments, the machining station includes an adjustment mechanism (not shown) that engages the needle valve 150 to adjust the axial position within the plate 100, such as by rotating the needle valve 150. Yes. Such an adjustment mechanism may be configured similar to any of the following, but need not be limited. Socket, box wrench, allen wrench (hex key), torque wrench / key, Robertson wrench / key, triwing wrench / key, torque set wrench / key, spanner head wrench / key, or any other suitable configuration It may be. The shape of such an adjustment mechanism within the machining station may be selected to correspond to the shape of the head 154, the shape of the recess 156, or the shape of some other feature of the needle valve 150.

  If the adjustment mechanism of the machining station can be used to selectively adjust the needle valve 150, the needle valve 150 can be moved forward by automatically advancing the spindle to which the tool 2 is fixed. It is also possible to engage. Alternatively, the adjustment mechanism may be configured to move toward the needle valve 150 and thereby engage the needle valve for adjusting the needle valve 150. In each or both scenarios, once the adjustment mechanism engages the needle valve 150, the adjustment mechanism and / or spindle moves to rotate the needle valve 150 in the plate 100, thereby causing the needle in the plate 100 to move. The axial position of the valve 150 is adjusted. Furthermore, such adjustments may be made multiple times in a single machining process. For example, if calibers of different diameters are machined into a single workpiece, simply adjusting needle valve 150 automatically using an adjustment mechanism in the machining station as described above, 1 A single tool 2 may be used to machine such a caliber in degree processing. In other words, as long as the machining station receives complex work routine instructions (eg, via a computer), such instructions for automatically generating such adjustments during a single machining process. The needle valve 150 may be adjusted within this range. For this reason, it is not necessary to adjust the pressure or flow rate of the liquid “upstream” or “downstream” of the tool 2, and a single tool 2 (for example, replacement of the tool 2 is not necessary) in one machining process. It will be apparent that different diameters can be used to produce. Of course, other ways in which the tool 2 may be used will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  Some of the embodiments include a needle valve 150 for adjusting the flow rate or pressure of the liquid in the plate 100, but various other configurations or devices for adjusting the flow rate or pressure of the liquid in the plate 100. It will be apparent that may be used. Such other configurations include, but are not limited to, other types of valves or flow restriction devices or configurations. Accordingly, the inventor does not intend that all embodiments be limited to the needle valve 150, but the inventor instead contemplates other configurations and devices that may be used in various ways.

  In summary, we have described the many benefits gained by using the concepts of the present invention. The foregoing description of one or more embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. In light of the above suggestions, obvious changes and modifications are possible. One or more of the above embodiments have been selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention, and, depending on their practical application, those skilled in the art will have various embodiments suitable for the particular use under consideration. The invention can be best used with minor modifications. The scope of the present invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 3 is a partial side cross-sectional view of a tool made in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 is an end view of the tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a plate for the tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a plate for the tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a plate for the tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of a plate for the tool of FIG. 1 configured to receive a wafer. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the plate taken along line 8-8 in FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a wafer configured to fit the plate of FIG. FIG. 2 is a series of views of the tool of FIG. 1 being used. FIG. 2 is a series of views of the tool of FIG. 1 being used. FIG. 2 is a series of views of the tool of FIG. 1 being used. FIG. 2 is a series of views of the tool of FIG. 1 being used. FIG. 2 is a series of views of the tool of FIG. 1 being used. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative plate for the tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a top view of the plate of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the plate of FIG. 11 taken along line 13-13 of FIG. It is a bottom view of the plate of FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the plate of FIG. 11 with an alternative needle valve.

Claims (20)

A tool for processing a workpiece,
An elongated member and an insertion member;
(A) The elongated member is
(I) a central axis that defines the axis, angle, and radial direction;
(Ii) a first end and a second end;
(Iii) at least two ends disposed at the first end, wherein at least one of the ends includes at least one blade member;
(Iv) a slot adjacent to said at least two ends, said slot extending towards said second end and opening at said first end, said slot being configured to receive an insertion member Slots,
(V) a groove communicating the slot with the liquid;
With
(B) the insertion member is disposed in the slot and has two side surfaces;
The insertion member is configured to direct liquid communicated to the slot to one or more of the at least two ends;
The insertion member includes an adjustment mechanism that selectively adjusts one or both of a liquid flow rate and / or pressure communicated to one or more of the at least two ends via the insertion member. A tool that is operable.   The tool according to claim 1, wherein the insertion member has a plate having the two side surfaces. The plate has a first end and a second end;
Each side of the plate has at least one opening formed in each side,
The plate further comprises at least one flow path extending from the second end to each of the openings;
The tool according to claim 2, wherein the flow path is formed to communicate liquid from the groove to each of the openings. Each side of the plate further has a recess,
The tool according to claim 3, wherein the opening is provided in each of the recesses.   The tool of claim 4 further comprising at least one wafer disposed in each of the recesses.   The tool according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a needle valve disposed at least partially within the insertion member.   The tool according to claim 6, wherein the needle valve includes a recessed head portion.   The tool according to claim 1, wherein the insertion member is formed so as to change a distance between the at least one blade member and the central shaft by an action of a pressure of a liquid. A tool system for processing a workpiece,
The tool system includes a tool, a rotary actuator, and a pressurized liquid supply unit,
(A) The tool is
(I) a central axis that defines the axis, angle, and radial direction;
(Ii) at least one blade member comprising a blade configured to remove material from the workpiece, the at least one blade member being substantially maintained in the direction of the axis and angle, At least one blade member formed to advance in the radial direction by a moving width; and
(Iii) at least one inserted member disposed so as to coincide with a central axis adjacent to the at least one blade member, the insertion member including a plurality of the at least one blade member in a radial direction; The direction of the pressurized liquid can be adjusted to selectively deflect to at least one of the different use positions, and the inserted member comprises an adjusting device, the adjusting device being selected An inserted member operable to selectively adjust one or both of the flow rate and / or pressure of the pressurized liquid to deflect the at least one blade member,
With
(B) the rotary actuator is configured to rotate the tool about a central axis of the tool;
(C) The pressurized liquid supply unit supplies the pressurized liquid so that the at least one blade member in the radial direction selectively deflects to at least one of a plurality of different use positions. A tool system in fluid communication with the at least one inserted member. Further comprising a slot disposed within the tool along the central axis;
The tool system according to claim 9, wherein the inserted member is disposed in the slot. The inserted member includes a plate having two side surfaces,
Each side of the plate has at least one opening formed in the side,
The plate further comprises at least one flow path extending from the proximal end of the plate to the opening;
The tool system according to claim 9, wherein the at least one flow path is formed to communicate the pressurized liquid to the opening.   The tool system of claim 11, wherein the adjustment device comprises a needle valve disposed at least partially within the plate.   The tool system according to claim 12, wherein the position of the needle valve is adjusted along the axial direction defined by the central axis. The blade member is provided at the end of the tool,
The pressurized liquid has a flow;
The tool system according to claim 9, wherein the member to be inserted is formed to direct the flow of the pressurized liquid toward the end. A tool comprising an elongated member,
The elongated member is
(A) A first end and a second end disposed on the tool shaft, wherein the second end is formed so as to be connected to the rotary actuator. And
(B) the second end and the first end, and a groove for communicating with the liquid;
(C) one or more cutting members disposed close to the first end, each of the cutting members being disposed at each position where the distance from the tool axis is the first distance One or more cutting members,
(D) a plate disposed adjacent to the first end, the plate having two side surfaces, each of the two side surfaces being at least one opening formed in the side surface; Each of the openings is formed to receive a liquid medium from the groove, and the plate has at least one of the one or more cutting members at a distance from the tool axis. A plate configured to change the flow of the liquid medium to be disposed at a position that is two distances;
(E) selectively adjusting the flow velocity or pressure of the liquid whose flow is changed so that at least one of the one or more cutting members is disposed at a position where the distance from the tool axis is the second distance; A liquid regulating member;
Having a tool.   The tool according to claim 15, wherein the liquid adjusting member comprises a needle valve. The needle valve defines a longitudinal axis;
17. A tool according to claim 16, wherein the longitudinal axis defined by the needle valve coincides with the tool axis. Further comprising two or more ends;
The tool of claim 15, wherein the one or more cutting members are disposed on at least one of the two or more ends. A slot disposed adjacent to the two or more ends;
The tool of claim 18, wherein the plate is disposed in the slot.   The tool of claim 19, wherein the slot and the plate are disposed along the tool axis.

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